'No extra pressure' on Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes as Vegas blockbuster awaits

Sharks captain Cameron McInnes has denied there is "extra pressure" on star halfback Nicho Hynes to perform in their round one blockbuster in Las Vegas.

Hynes will come up against the game's best player Nathan Cleary in the season opener, as two of the genuine premiership contenders go head-to-head in Sin City.

Both clubs flew out of Sydney on Thursday as preparations ramp up, with the clash between Penrith and Cronulla set to headline a four-game offering on March 2 (AEDT).

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Speaking to media at the airport, McInnes was quizzed on how his maligned teammate was handling the occasion of playing in front of 40,000 fans at Allegiant Stadium.

His response was an indication into Cronulla's faith in their chief playmaker.

"There's no extra pressure on him from within our team, other than what he puts on himself," McInnes told reporters.

"He'll be right, he's a big boy and he's gone through things no one else has had to.

"It's only made him stronger."

Hynes endured a tough 2024 campaign, but has appeared to come out the other side as the Sharks look to challenge the likes of the Panthers and Storm for the title.

McInnes believes the Vegas encounter is the perfect chance to set the tone, despite all the external noise around the city before, during and after the task at hand.

"Roosters and Manly had the best time [last year] and that's because they won," he said.

"That's the main thing, you're going there to win the game."

Penrith hooker Mitch Kenny showed a little bit more excitement when quizzed about the overseas endeavour, which will mark the second time the NRL takes the game to the US.

"I woke up this morning like a kid on Christmas," he said.

"The boys are excited - it's a long flight, but looking forward to getting over there." 

The other NRL fixture in Vegas will see the Raiders take on the Warriors, while a Super League game between the Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors is also on the docket.

Australia's women's team the Jillaroos will also compete against England.